WINNIPEG — After losing to a fourth quarter run on Friday, the Winnipeg Wesmen ensured the same story wasn't written on Saturday. Extending their lead throughout the final frame, the visitors beat the Manitoba Bisons 78-61 in men's basketball.
"Tonight they brought more energy defensively than we did, especially at certain times in the fourth quarter," said Kirby Schepp, head coach for the Bisons. "I think it was our lack of discipline."
An injury just under six minutes into the first quarter would force the Bisons to lose Kieran Zziwa, guard for the Bisons and a consistent point scorer this season.
Just one minute later, James Wagner, forward for the Bisons, would make a huge dunk to bring the game back into a tie. Wagner would go on to score 18 points. The first quarter ended in an intense 19-20, favouring the Wesmen.
Zziwa would quickly return, being court-ready at the start of the second quarter. Just as soon as he was back, Zziwa was producing points, draining multiple shots from the three-point line within minutes of stepping on the court.
With one minute-and-a-half left minutes left in the quarter and three seconds left on the shot clock, Mason Kraus would drain three from the corner, securing a foothold for the Bisons after minutes of continuous one-point leads. The third quarter would end with the Bisons having 40 points, to the Wesmen's 35.
The third quarter would go much the same as the beginning. An unfortunate turnover would lead to the Wesmen taking a practically uncontested three-point shot. Almost immediately after, the Wesmen broke away into an eight-point lead.
"We tried not to get too high or too low when they're on their run, and just try to stay in these engaged possessions," said Mike Raimbault, head coach for the Wesmen.
The Bisons could reign it in though, finishing the third 56-54 favouring the Wesmen.
One minute into the final quarter, the Bisons would once again have to take Zziwa off the court after taking a rough fall, but it would only be three minutes before they brought him back to finish off the game.
The Bisons struggled to crack through the Wesmen's defence, with Shawn Maranan stealing the ball and going on a fast break to solidify the Wesmen's 11-point lead. Then, with just three minutes left, the Bisons became sloppy, allowing multiple turnovers. As a result, the Wesmen took the game to its final score.
The Bisons are headed to Regina in two weeks to face the Cougars.
